483Rd. Troop Carrier Wing Ashiya Japan

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Entry: 8507

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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ANNETTE GUNDERSON wrote on May 26, 2024

Kalispell MT

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Comments:

My Dad, William Noud, was from Morgantown WV. He was a corporal aircraft mechanic
at Ashiya AFB on May 20, 1959 at 17:29 when the C-130 came through his barracks.
He is still alive and living in WY. I am looking to see if anyone remembers him or
any others who served are around from that time.

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Entry: 8051

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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MURRAY STOLLMAN wrote on March 6, 2020

st pete beach FL

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Comments:

This is an update from 3 years ago: I made my reputation as an excellent radio
operator in C-119s by failing to correctly lock down that very heavy IFF
transciever up in its overhead rack while pre-flighting. We were carrying a
full passenger load when, after take-off and hitting some turbulence, that IFF
came loose and fell on some poor airman's head/shoulder before rolling on the
deck. No excuse: Those screw-down latches easily fooled me into thinking it
was latched down correctly. Did not particularly care for the dressing down i
got from our OIC (although maybe i deserved it). The word spread throughout
the flightline by the end of that day based on the cat-calls i got from my
"buddies". PS: The victim of the falling electronics was not hurt...

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Entry: 8041

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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TOM MEKCHER wrote on January 31, 2020

Mesa AZ

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Comments:

Stationed at Ashiya from 1957 to late 58 in the USAFSS 6922RGM. USAFSS was a
very security command and not part of PACAF so our entire Group area was
mostly separated from the rest of the Base. Our operation at Ashiya was
closed and moved to Brady AFB (Originally called Camp Hakata) just outside
Fukuoka. I guess I was lucky because it was our vacated USAFSS barracks the
C130 crashed into shortly after we moved.
Spent some time TDY at K55 Osan AFB and was discharged in 60.

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Entry: 7970

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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DAVID GREER wrote on October 21, 2019

Tyler TX

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Comments:

Seeing who knew David Earl Greer.

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Entry: 7961

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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KELLI DESHAZO wrote on September 30, 2019

Tyler TX

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Comments:

My mother’s first husband was killed in the C 130 crash in 1959. His name was
David Earl Greer. My brother was 8 months old. They had been married 2
years. I can’t even get my head around what happened. I am curious if any of
you knew David. I saw a man named Truman on this site and I remember hearing
his name growing up. If anyone has any pictures of the crash or of David, I
would love to see them. David had to have been an amazing man.

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Entry: 7931

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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CHARLES CARLSON wrote on August 25, 2019

Hurst TX

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Comments:

Arrived 483rd Troop Carrier Wing, Ashiya, Japan April 1952 (403rd Wg at the
time) January 1, 1953 became 483rd TC Wg) assigned Wing Hqs squadron until
April 1954, rotatated to the ZI....

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Entry: 7863

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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BARBARA HUFFMAN wrote on June 18, 2019

Ashmore IL

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Comments:

My dad, Julian Pece, was a plane mechanic stationed here. I was born on base.
My uncle Bob Williamson also was stationed there. I wish I could return
someday to see where I was born.

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Entry: 7751

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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KENNETH JONES wrote on February 8, 2019

Durham NH

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Comments:

Stationed AT ASHIYA August 1952 to JUNE 1954, 483rd Maint sqdn .A/1c
Hydraulic Mechanic. Worked on C119,C54,C46 and C47 Aircraft.

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Entry: 7743

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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DAVID FINCH wrote on February 6, 2019

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Comments:

Oops! In my earlier 6 Feb 2019 message, I mistakenly recorded that I retired
in DEC 1958. Actually, it was in Dec 1978. So much for having been an
intelligence officer during part of my 20-year USAF career!

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Entry: 7742

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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DAVID FINCH wrote on February 6, 2019

Stow OH

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Comments:

Was A3C in 483rd Air Police Sqdn & 6483rd ABS Mar-Sep 1960. During ceremo-nies
to transfer base to JASDF on 25 Jun 1960, Mustangs baseball team played
goodwill game against Fukuoka's Nishitetsu Lions (Japan MLB team.) Game was
arranged thru wing CO and mayor of Fukuoka. I entered game as relief pitcher
in third inning with Mustangs leading by one run. Lions scored seven runs
without my recording a single out; their last hit being a grand slam. Was so
devastated I never played baseball again. Went on to 6143rd APS, Itazuke AB,
with other o/s PCSs to ENG and RVN. CONUS PCSs were in TX, MS, OH, ND, CO and
NY. Served as target/air intelligence officer for 5.6 yrs. Ordered back to SPs
in 1975. Retired Dec 1958 from Plattsburgh AFB, NY, as Capt.

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Entry: 7617

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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JAMES MATHESON wrote on October 3, 2018

Taylorsville NC

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Comments:

My father, airman 2nd class Forrest Matheson was an air traffic controller at
Ashyia from 1955 -1956. If anyone remembers serving with him or my uncle Tech
Sgt Charles Matheson please let us know

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Entry: 7515

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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WILLIAM MILLER wrote on June 12, 2018

Tampa FL

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Comments:

Stationed at Ashiya 58- 60.
483 Field Maintenance Aero Repair.
Downtown trying to celebrate my 21st birthday but got recalled back to the
base to help support the recovery of the 130 crash. Never have forgotten that
day.
Plenty of good memories as well tho.

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Entry: 7485

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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TRUMAN HELT wrote on May 13, 2018

Laporte IN

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Comments:

was at ashyia from 1957 to mid 1959, was crew chief with 774tcs, and there
with crash.of c-130 hitting our barricks, lost service good friends

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Entry: 7437

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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NORMAN CURRY wrote on March 6, 2018

columbus in

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Comments:

I was in the 62nd squadron and it was renamed the 37th blue
tail flies. I was at ashiya from 1954 t0 1957. worked as
a radio technician.

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Entry: 7390

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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THOMAS CROCKETT wrote on January 28, 2018

Colonial Heights VA

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Comments:

I arrived in Ashiya Feb 1958 and departed in 1960 when Ashiya closed for
the US. Was a C-119 and C-130 Pilot in the 817th TC Sq, and transferred
to Naha, Okinawa with the 817th. Also knew Pete Kemp. Left Okinawa in
1961 for Orlando FL in 1961. Spent 3 years there before being assigned to
St Pete Clearwater Intl Arpt as AFOIC of the Fairchild Hiller C-130
Overhaul plant, then to VN in Dec 1967 to celebrate TET in the 834th Air
Division Command post, and returned to St Pete-Clearwater Arpt for
another tour as OIC of the Fairchild facility. Was completing after landing
checklist in Ashiya when the C-130 crashed at Ashiya. Official records of
the crash I have read have the basic coverage of the crash wrong, but have
ignored my comments regarding the crash.

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Entry: 7210

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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DONALD NEWTON wrote on April 25, 2017

Orange Park Florida

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Comments:

Was stationed at Ashiya, Japan from September 1952 until
around January 1953 where I was with the 63rd Troop Carrier
Squadron C-119's Flying Jennies (red tail) as an airborne
Radio Operator until I was transferred to Tachikawa until
July 1953 flying on C-54's until truce was signed in July
of 53. Immediately after transferring the C-119 (9161)
that I flew on went down in the sea of Japan with all on
board and the radio operator that took my place (Kalapa
from Hawaii) and the engineer I always flew with
(Hensley). They only found the A/C in a fisherman's net
later but never the remainder of the crew which I believe
also included about seven(7) paratroopers. I was always
assigned to 9161 except for one time I flew on 2551 and the
following day it went into a mountain outside of Seoul with
two radio operators (Thadus Smith and Beer). We found them
the next day in our search called "Playmate" on top of a
mountain. They had gone too far so that when they went
inbound they were on the other side of mountain and when
they let down they went right onto the top killing 37
people including a flight surgeon that was only flying to
get in his four hours and Tax exemption for flying into a
combat zone. Boy! do I remember.

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Entry: 7204

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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ROY FANNING wrote on April 13, 2017

N. Jackson ohio

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Comments:

Was stationed at ashiya 1957-1959 worked at base supply
by flight line. still remember the town, bought souvenir's
after left gate towards town and ate at restaurants in town

nice time and great memories

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Entry: 7202

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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RICHARD WHITMAN wrote on April 11, 2017

tampa Florida

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Comments:

I was stationed at Ashiya AB from 1959 to 1960. Was in
483rd Field Maintenance Squadron as an Office Machine
Repairmen. I was bass player in blue grass band Ozark
Valley Boys with Glen Toothman, Carter Jenkins,etc.
I left Ashiya and went to Itazuki AB.

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Entry: 7180

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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BRADSHER BENNY wrote on March 12, 2017

Clayton Georgia

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Comments:

Stationed at Ashiya APO 75....1958 - 1959 - 1960. Flew out of Ashiya for
the ZI on June 14, 1960, about 10 days before Ashiya was turned over to
JASDF. Have many fading memories.

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Entry: 7179

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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KEN MERRITT wrote on March 11, 2017

Fairfield Ca

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Comments:

Arrived at Ashiya early 1955 and assigned to the Dir of Ops,
HQ 483 TCW, Commander; Col Jamie Gough. Worked upstairs on the
second floor, the flag was directly in front of my office
window. A few names you may know, MSgt L Jackson, LtCol
Thompson, 1Lt Terrana, A1C Alflage, A2C R Roberts, CPT Klang,
CPT Barton, TSgt Staudt, A1C Nichols, A2C S Jackson, A1C Lyra
and myself A2C Merritt. I'm sorry I left many more that work
in the Wing HQ. Married in Fukuoka, had our first born in
Ashiya-machi transferred to Long Beach Aprt, return to
Tachikawa 1960, Kunsan 62-63, Tachikawa 63-69, Yokota 69,
Kunsan 70-72 and last Travis 72-76. I WILL return an email if
contacted, kjm1741@gmail.com or hatsuko1930@gmail.com

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Entry: 7176

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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MURRAY STOLLMAN wrote on March 8, 2017

St Pete Beach FL

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Comments:

Served in the 816th TCS (Packet Rats) starting in Decemberf
of 1954 through 1955 as Airborne Radio Operator exclusively
in C-119s. Would love to share stories with others who were
there. First, i'll look through this BBS to see if i
remember any of the folks still alive!

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Entry: 7167

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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DON TATE S/SGT 483 TROOP CARIER WING 1952 TO 1954 wrote on February 28, 2017

farmington mi

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Comments:

worked with a great bunch of people in personnel

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Entry: 7157

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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LESTER BROWN wrote on February 22, 2017

Mesa AZ

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Comments:

I was a parachute rigger in 1953 from late January to early
December. When I moved from the day crew to the night crew I
was assigned to pack the parachutes for the paramedic team.
I would pack the chutes at night and they would make jumps
the following day.

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Entry: 7143

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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CHARLES (LEN) WALKER wrote on February 3, 2017

san antonio( orggiinal monson) tx ( org. mass)

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Comments:

was stationed at ashiya from oct 1953 to oct 1955.flight line
maintence.spent time in dien bien phu indochina march
1954.didn`t have much choice in the matter.still have lots of
memories. i guess i woulden`t recognize the place today.i
understand the town burned down?i was also on the pistol team in
the national competetion.would like to hear from anybody who was
there at that time..

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Entry: 7127

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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CHUCK WAHLSTROM wrote on January 18, 2017

Lake Havasu City Arizona

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Comments:

Sefrved at Ashiya AFB 1955 and 1956. 483rd troop carrier
squadron

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Entry: 7110

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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CHARLES PHILLIPS wrote on December 27, 2016

Lithonia Georgia

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Comments:

Stationed at Ashiya AB 1960 as a crew chief on C-130A 50002

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Entry: 7081

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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DAVID CULBERTSON wrote on October 30, 2016

Oakland Park Florida

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Comments:

Hello to all. My father, Robert "Bob" Culbertson, was a
C-119 flight engineer based I believe at Ashiya during the
Korean War. I know its a long shot, but does anyone remember
him? His airplane was named "Joanie D" Thanks to all....

David Culbertson

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Entry: 7067

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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TOM PORTER wrote on October 4, 2016

Nashville Arkansas

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Comments:

I was at Ashiya from May 54 to May 56. Last assignment was Clerk in
Vehicle Main Squadron. Played football with some great players. Kozy
Johnson, Leo Rucky, Tom Washington (USA), & would like to correspond
with any or all who might remember me! All three of these guys were USA!

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Entry: 7066

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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JOHN N COURY wrote on October 3, 2016

Las Vegas NV

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Comments:

I was at Ashiya 1953-1955/Headquarters Squadron/Clerked in the Judge
Advocates Office; Capt Helling and Sgt Tice in charge wen I arrived/Trained in
Judo and body surfed in Japan Sea/played handball with Ed Parella from NYC/
and was friends with Fred Smith from Grants Pass Oregon./I have fond
memories of Ashiya./email: cellfield234@gmail.com

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Entry: 6972

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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BILL ALEXANDER wrote on April 12, 2016

Flowery Branch GA

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Comments:

I was stationed at Ashiya AFB, Japan 1956-58. Assigned to
Water P:int, 483rd Installations Squadron as AIC Water Point.
Anyone interested in corresponding? Especially interested in
locating William R. Ward.

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Entry: 6865

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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GENE JONES wrote on September 19, 2015

wisconsin dells wisconsin

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Comments:

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Entry: 6756

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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ROBERT JERNIGAN wrote on April 4, 2015

Hampton Virginia

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Comments:

I was military brat there from 1956-1960

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Entry: 6690

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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JOE WALL wrote on January 3, 2015

temple hills md

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Comments:

Was at Ashiya AB in medical unit as veterinary food
inspector from Jan 58 until Aug 59.

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Entry: 6666

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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CHAD HILL wrote on November 15, 2014

Mount Juliet Tennessee

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Comments:

I am looking for information about an aborted mission in
mid 1953 by the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. It
originated at Ashiya and was supposed to drop paratroopers
inside North Korea to rescue POWs. The mission was aborted
in flight. Researching late father. Please email or call
615-804-8859. Thank you. Chad Hill

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Entry: 6662

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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GEORGE RODENBAUGH wrote on November 10, 2014

North Wales PA

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Comments:

Trying to locate Gary Mark Reinhart, We were in Japan
together1959 thru 1960. I was in the 483rd Air Police Sqd.
and I believe he worked on the flight line. Last known
state: California.

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Entry: 6089

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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BENN BRADSHER wrote on April 15, 2012

Clayton GA

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Comments:

April 15, 2012

Ashiya AB, Japan (APO75) 1958 - 1960

Update E-mail Address to read:

Ashiya58@windstream.net

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Entry: 5978

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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MOIR HILL wrote on October 28, 2011

blue ridge va

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Comments:

bill was terrific for the mustangs....especially that no
hitter in manila ....i was the shortstop....mack was our
leader .....tell bill hello for me....moir hill

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Entry: 4784

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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MURRAY STOLLMAN wrote on June 3, 2011

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Comments:

Flew with the 816th TCS 1954-5, 483rd TCGp, 483rd TCW. Airborne Radio Operator. Cannot find any others still kicking around but would LOVE to hear from anyone. Wonderful and horrible memories of those days, especially losing 3 of our aircraft to reversing prop regulators while in flight. In fact, was on take-off roll when 5929 starboard eng. reversed. Our fantastic pilot,(i think maybe Capt. Fox(?) saved our a--es. Spent month of Feb. 1955 in Tachikawa aircrews billets trying to find out WHY. Successful! Grounded all C-119Ds until regulators were replaced.

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Entry: 4754

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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DON LINCOLN wrote on March 24, 2011

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Comments:

Trying to help a friend locate anyone who knew James ('Jim', 'Jimmy') Roy Oden, stationed in Ashiya between 1953-57.

Jim's wife is deceased and he's in a VA hospital, not doing well, about to lose care due to lost records and inability to positively identify him as an eligible vet.

He doesn't recall his old service number and so far, the national records center and archives have not been able to help.

Thanks in advance for any help offered.

Don Lincoln, LCDR, USCG (Ret)
Vietnam '68-69
3703 Congress Ave.
Lago Vista, TX 78645
(512) 267-7083
dlincoln1@austin.rr.com

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Entry: 4718

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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GORDON JOHNSON wrote on November 17, 2010

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Comments:

' was stationed at Ashiya late 55 to Nov. 57 - 37th Squadron (Blue Tail Flys) Recently reacquainted with Jim Tessier and looking for any others of that era.
Thanks and God Bless - gordo

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Entry: 4710

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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JEREMIAH (JERRY) HANNIGAN wrote on October 19, 2010

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Comments:

My family and I were stationed At Ashiya AB from 1956 to 1960. I was assigned to the 815th Troop Carrier Squadron. I worked in the orderly room. I really enjoyed my tour their. I was really happy when we got the C-130's which replaced the C119.I liked riding on both aircraft. I remember well about the C130 that crashed in the Security Service barracks. That did not have to happen. We left in 1960 when the base closed at went to the Pentagon in DC. Did not like it their.

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Entry: 4695

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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HAMILTON wrote on September 5, 2010

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Comments:

My father was stationed at Ashiya Army/Air Corp from 1948-1951(?)and I was born early 1950. Just wondering if anyone knew him and if anyone has any information. I was told he was KIA in South Korea in 1951. My mother name was Hajime and I have a older sister.
McFarland's daughter

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Entry: 4358

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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HARRY PHELPS wrote on January 27, 2008

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Comments:

Sorry, I goofed on my last reply. It was not the 4th TCS that I was in at Ashiya.. It was the 817th. Had my dates messed up. I was in the 4th TCS at Larson AFB from 1956-1960. There, I flew C-124s.

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Entry: 4357

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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HARRY PHELPS wrote on January 27, 2008

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Comments:

i was stationed at ashiya from late 1953 to 1956. was a c-119 pilot with the 4th tcs. many fond memories of 'ashiya by the mesoo'.

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Entry: 4356

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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JENNIFER DIAMOND wrote on January 25, 2008

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Comments:

Comments: I am searching for anyone who might have known or knew of my grandfather. His name was Thomas A. Cripe and he was apart of the 483rd Troop Carrier Wing APO 75. He served in Ashiya, Japan in May 1960, I'm not sure if thats when he arrived or left. If you have any information about him please contact me anytime. Thank-you

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Entry: 4294

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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LESTER J. BROWN wrote on October 4, 2007

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Comments:

I was at Ashiya in the 483rd during 1953. Got there in Feb and left in Dec (discharged in Dec 53 from Parks AFB in Calif I was a rigger in the parachute shop. Didn't play football but knew a couple of guys who did. Have some old pictures of the team during a game (if I can remember where I put them).

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Entry: 4288

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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JENNIFER DIAMOND wrote on September 22, 2007

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Comments:

Hello,
My name is Jennifer Diamond and I am searching for information about my grandfather. His name was Thomas Cripe and he was from Bremen Indiana. He sreved on the Ashiya Air Force Base in May 1960, I;m not sure if that was the time he arrived or left. He served with the 483rd Troop Carrier Wing (M), APO 75. My mother is his daughter and unfortunatly never knew him because he was killed in an auto accident in Dec, 1967. If anyone knew him or knows someone that knew him please contact me asap. Thank-you so much for your time, Jennifer Diamond

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Entry: 3605

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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JACK M. COOPER wrote on April 11, 2006

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Comments:

i was stationed at ashiya from 1952 until 1954 with the 483 fld maintenance sqdn. i played first base on the base softball team that was runner up in the far east in 1953. i would like to hear from anyone who played on this team or remembers it
. j

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Entry: 3357

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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ROBERT MAGAHAN wrote on December 5, 2005

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Comments:

i was in the 6483rd flight line maint sq at ashiya from 1958 to 60 when the base closed. i was in transit alert in 58.
later i was crew chief on c-130a 55-005 and 55-038. i was burned out of the barracks when c-130a 57-468 crashed on may 20, 1959. my

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Entry: 3202

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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GENE MARTIN wrote on October 4, 2005

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Comments:

hi don,

i was in the 483rd in 1956 and 57. we still had the c-119's.
i played on the football team and later transferd to tachi with the 6485th air evacuation sqd. rotated back to states in 57.

gene martin

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Entry: 3190

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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DON HAMILL wrote on September 23, 2005

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Comments:

i did not play, however i flew with pete kemp, who did play.

pete was a naviguesser with the 815th. we flew c-130's. john herring was the 483rd wing commander.

we were transferred to tachi when the base closed in 60.

memories.......

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Entry: 3189

483RD. TROOP CARRIER WING ASHIYA JAPAN

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DON HAMILL wrote on September 23, 2005

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Comments:

i did not play, however i flew with pete kemp, who did play.

pete was a naviguesser with the 815th. we flew c-130's. john herring was the 483rd wing commander.

we were transferred to tachi when the base closed in 60.

memories.......

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